Beneath the earth’s surface, candles
cast abstract patterns on the backs of nine people huddled together. The wind
whipped the sooty air, causing flames to flash and sketch skewed halos across
the participants’ heads. Someone groaned, others sighed, a testament to the
evening’s grueling debate. Only their leader remained focused, smoothed over
differences, preventing hurtful words or actions from spinning off into
permanent wounds.

“I’m willing to go over the issue
again,” he said, “even though I doubt further discussion is necessary.”

A female spoke up. “I don’t like any
of this. Maybe we should just admit defeat.”

The leader turned to her, his
creased forehead and steely demeanor barely visible in the amber glow; still,
she felt his cool appraisal, and more significantly his release of animal
pheromone, bending her to his will. She shrank back.

“There’ll be no admission of
defeat,” he said. “No giving up. Sometimes we have to make hard choices. Risk
everything if necessary.” His voice was calm but with a serrated edge, since he
had learned years ago that he could get more with subtle intimidation, using
tricks as simple as flared nostrils. Of course, if more was needed, threats
remained a viable option.

Another man spoke up. “I’ve made my
decision,” he said with a wink toward the leader, “and I’m ready to vote. We’ve
been going round and round for the past month. I think we should just get this
over with.”

“I’m ready too,” said the leader. “But”—he
held up a finger—“with one stipulation. Due to the subject matter, I don’t want
to use secret ballots like we usually do. This must be a unanimous decision. I
need to know we’re in this together.” He looked at each member. “Agreed?”

There was fidgeting, murmurs,
grunts, but finally nods of approval all around.

“Good. Then let’s do it. Everyone
knows my position. We’ve covered the pros and cons down to the last detail. So
if you trust me, believe in me, you’ll follow my recommendation. Now those in
favor, raise your hands.”

Immediately, five hands shot up, then
two others, and, after a protracted pause, an eighth. Only a half-smile
appeared on the leader’s face since one more affirmation was needed to ensure
complete triumph. He narrowed his eyes to envelop the sole dissident, a
plain-looking woman known for her stubbornness. “Mary, Mary, Mary,” he said,
repeating her name with a shake of his head. Taken aback at being the lone
holdout, the woman felt a catch in her throat followed by an acrid taste on her
tongue, prompting second thoughts. Like a helium balloon, her hand soared into
the air.

“That’s better,” said the leader,
staring at the troublemaker with a laser beam’s intensity. Springing to his
feet, he rose on his toes, adding not only height but the illusion of strength.
“The motion is approved,” he said, chest out, smiling ear to ear. “And now, my
friends, my dear, dear friends—I bid you a pleasant night.”

Horror erupts when newlyweds, Karen and Jeremy, cross paths with members of a diabolical cult inside a West Virginia cave. Living below the earth’s surface has triggered mutations, rendering the cult members nearly infertile. Their leader, a wild-eyed, cunning brute, refuses to let the couple leave, believing they and their potential offspring hold the key to surviving underground. Are Karen and Jeremy doomed to spend their lives inside this sunless, subterranean wasteland, or do they escape before their minds shatter and their bodies betray them? About the Author:

Nancy Widrew was born and raised in NYC before settling in New England with her husband. She has two grown children and two four-legged furry ones, always a source of amusement. She has had short stories published in webzines and a print anthology. This is her first novel.

When Kathy Taylor receives word that she has been left a million dollars by her late aunt, she doesn’t believe a word of it. Nothing good ever happens to her. Reluctantly, she goes to see her aunt’s attorney, Devon York. Devon simply takes her breath away… he’s tall, good-looking and has a British accent. However, there is a big catch in the will. Kathy must attend the annual Dubois Charity Ball wearing the dress Devon is holding.

Is the man crazy? The dress is a size 8 and Kathy is a size 16. She is an emotional eater so she might as well kiss that money goodbye.

Devon made a promise to Catherine Dubois to help her niece, and it’s a job he’s dreaded. But when Kathy storms into his office and asks if he is absolutely crazy, he finds she is a breath of fresh air. So he volunteers to coach Miss Taylor, which doesn’t prove easy, especially when Kathy’s sister keeps sabotaging her diet.

As sparks fly, they battle the ups and downs of their relationship. Will Kathy become that bright shiny diamond her aunt always wanted her to be or will she remain a diamond in the rough?About the Author:

Amazon All-Star author, Brenda Jernigan is a bestselling author. She writes both contemporary and historical novels. She has been nominated for several awards – Book Seller’s Best Award, The Maggie Award, The Holt Medallion Award and a RONE Award.

She grew up as a tomboy and really had no use for books. It wasn’t until she was taking her son to Story Hour at the local library that the librarian gave her a copy of DEVIL’S DESIRE by Laurie McBain. After that Brenda became hooked on historicals. Brenda’s first book, THE DUKE’S LADY, was bought and published by Kensington Publishing and her career as a storyteller took off.

Brenda loves to hear from readers. You can email her at bkj1608 @ juno.com.

3 - Subject line of your email should be Diamond in the Rough.4 - Include your first and last name and email.5 - The winner will be chosen from the correct entries and awarded on July 21, 2018. The winner will be announced on Brenda's newsletter.Giveaway # 2: Win $10 Amazon Gift CardContest runs from November 14 - 20, 2017.

On the eve of his tenth birthday, a young slave’s life is turned upside down. The unthinkable events that led up to the day Oscar Mercer saw a hummingbird test the limits of this young boy’s body, mind and soul. Gripped with fear and filled with anger, Oscar faces raw, crushing hatred aimed at him and everyone he loves. In a time when a nation was ripped apart geographically, economically, politically and morally, comes a story of a courageous boy who began life as a slave on a sugarcane plantation in Louisiana and escapes via the Underground Railroad. Through the efforts and good will of kind, brave people determined to free slaves, Oscar faces devastating obstacles and dangers. Struggling with his inner impulse to seek revenge for the injustices and violence levied on his family and friends, he discovers that in bondage you pray to God, but in freedom you meet Him. From the award-winning, best-selling author of The Seven Year Dress comes a story that brings another cadre of memorable characters alive on pages that pulse with hatred and kindness, cruelty and compassion, despair and hope. Oscar’s journey on the Underground Railroad is a heart-pounding ride that the reader will remember long after this story ends.

"A superb portrayal of courage and strength of the human spirit. A poignant and unforgettable page-turner. I loved every page." Jana Petken, bestselling author of The Guardian of Secrets.

About the Author:

Paulette Mahurin is a best selling literary fiction and historical fiction novelist. She lives with her husband Terry and two dogs, Max and Bella, in Ventura County, California. She grew up in West Los Angeles and attended UCLA, where she received a Master’s Degree in Science.

Her first novel, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, made it to Amazon bestseller lists and won awards, including best historical fiction 2012 in Turning the Pages Magazine. Her second novel, His Name Was Ben, originally written as an award winning short story while she was in college and later expanded into a novel, rose to bestseller lists its second week out. Her third novel, To Live Out Loud, won international critical acclaim and made it to multiple sites as favorite read book of 2015. Her fourth book, The Seven Year Dress, made it to the top ten bestseller lists on Amazon U.S., Amazon U.K. and Amazon Australia. Her fifth book, The Day I Saw The Hummingbird, is schedules for release in 2017. Semi-retired, she continues to work part-time as a Nurse Practitioner in Ventura County. When she’s not writing, she does pro-bono consultation work with women with cancer, works in the Westminster Free Clinic as a volunteer provider, volunteers as a mediator in the Ventura County Courthouse for small claims cases, and involves herself, along with her husband, in dog rescue. Profits from her books go to help rescue dogs from kill shelters.

Harper Grey is fed up with over-bearing men. Her father wants to sell the family hamburger joint to her brother because a woman could never make it successful.

Harper knows she has the same flair for business as her mother, and sexy Navy SEAL Patrick O'Brien dares her to prove it to the world.

When duty calls and Patrick must leave her side, will Harper be strong enough to make her dream a reality?

About the Author:

In a small town outside of Anchorage, Sheryl Winters can be found penning her next novel with her two cats and one dog at her side. On sunny days, she can be found in Hatcher’s Pass about an hour outside of Anchorage.

Sheryl is a firm believer that superheroes are among us—regular people whose actions “create beauty out of chaos.”

“I heard them mourn my death. I lay in the next room. Motionless, silent, and staring at the ceiling.”

Adih:

“When it comes to a broken person, some of them are expert at blinding you. Spend an entire evening with such a person, but you may still not know how he is crushing inside.”

Uday:

“Who would say no to him? He is smart, intelligent, super handsome, rich, suave and sophisticated. He’s perfect!”

Pooja:

“Pooja gave no explanation. She asked no forgiveness. She just arrived in his home, resenting him for being her husband.”

Arunav:

“He had smiled as if nothing was wrong.

He had behaved as if he still had his dreams and hopes.

He had pretended as if it didn’t hurt.

But it did.”

Does Destiny hold the key to our happiness?

Is it always the feeble that is the victim?

Love can be the embrace of heaven. But what happens when it unleashes hellfire?

Lose yourself in the intense narrative of You Came Like Hope as it unleashes a rollercoaster of emotions, uncovers some bitter truths, challenges widespread prejudices, and forces you to reconsider your beliefs.

About the Author:

Jyoti Arora is a novelist and blogger from Ghaziabad. You Came Like Hope is her third novel, coming after Dream’s Sake and Lemon Girl. She is Post Graduate in English Literature and Applied Psychology. Besides reading and writing novels, Jyoti enjoys checking out latest technological innovations, watching movies, and listening to old Bollywood songs.

Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.

Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts.

In his long-awaited return, John Green, the acclaimed, award-winning author of Looking for Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars, shares Aza’s story with shattering, unflinching clarity in this brilliant novel of love, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship.

So ... how about you? Whatchareadin'? Comment below or don't hesitate to tweet me @MybooknMyCoffee

Pleiades witch Shannon Randolph has been framed for a theft she didn't do. She has one week to return a stolen relic to the god it belongs or she will be executed. What's worse? Evil magic-wielding wackos are coming out of the woodwork after her to get it. But the biggest danger is Merck. This sexy, dangerous witch-hunter who understands all forms of magic might be her only hope. Enlisting his help may require she be a very naughty witch.

The moment Shannon strolls back into Jason Merck's life he's in trouble. There's something about the witch he can't resist, but he must. The witch hunter cannot date the witch.

About the Author:

Award winning author, Zoe Forward is a hopeless romantic who can't decide between paranormal and contemporary romance. So, she writes both. Her novels have won numerous awards including the Readers Choice Heart of Excellence, Golden Quill, Carolyn Readers Choice Award, and the Booksellers Best Award.

When she's not typing at her laptop, she's tying on a karate belt for her son or cleaning up the newest pet mess from the menagerie that occupies her house. She's a small animal veterinarian caring for a wide range of furry creatures, although there has been the occasional hermit crab.

She's madly in love with her globe trotting conservation ecologist husband who plans to save all the big cats on the planet, and she's happiest when he returns to their home base.Connect with Zoe: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodreadsGIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

After an injury derails Poppy Peters' ballet career, she gathers the courage to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and attend Calle Pastry Academy in a small-town Georgia. Poppy has her work cut out for her not only fitting in with her charming (and not-so-charming ) Southern classmates but also proving her worth to her teachers after her first publicly humiliating attempt a making the school's famous peach pie. But Poppy's pastry problems go from bad to worse when she's suddenly accused of stealing expensive black truffles, and her attempt to clear her name goes awry...resulting in her finding a dead body instead! If Poppy's going to survive this culinary experience, she'll need to find the missing truffles and track down a killer, all while honing her baking skills to compete in the school's dessert competition for a coveted pastry internship in Paris. Can Poppy prove she's one tough cookie? Or is her life about to crumble?

So this is what I'll be reading in the next few days. How about you? Whatchareadin'there? :)

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificent Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life—summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. When their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Margo has disappeared. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they’re for him. Embarking on an exhilarating adventure to find her, the closer Q gets, the less he sees the girl he thought he knew.

Book Review ~ Paper Towns

Reading Paper Towns was an adventure. It is fun and sad at the same time. It is a great coming of age novel! - Ara @ My Book and My Coffee

The story revolves around Quentin and his fascination towards Margo Roth Spiegelman. She is literally the girl next door. They were neighbors and were friends since they were kids. But time changed and one of them became the popular one. She is popular, he is not. They haven’t talked for a long time until that one he-thought-was-a-normal night.

I love Quentin’s character. He may not be the cool one according to high school but he is relatable and in real life, I think he would be a good, cool friend.

Margo’s character was confusing to me at first but I got where she was and what she was thinking. I was like Quentin, while reading this novel. This is in the sense that I actually want to know her, the real her, how she thinks and all. She was a mystery and I just really liked to understand her because maybe I am a paper girl, too. I didn’t exactly think like her. Yes, adventure and travelling - I both love. But the way she saw life and living is something that I didn't experience but maybe because we just think differently. But I’ve come to understand her in the end. Just like Quentin. So, okay. This is you, you feel that you need to do this, okay. This is you. And she’s not me. He's not her. He's not Margo Roth Spiegelman.

Quentin’s friends: Ben, Radar and Lacey. I like how they’ve supported Q. Lacey’s a new friend and I thought she will be playing a really bad part in the novel but yeah, she surprised me. Ben and Radar are fun. For me, they feel (and give) comfort from each other more than they care to admit.

The meaning of Paper Towns from the novel is really not new to me. I mean, I know the concept of finding one's self. And the situation where you're lost that you need to get away from it all to find yourself. Or just thinking about the 'way things and life are supposed to be'.

Paper Towns is a great read. I cried while reading the last 5 to 6 paragraphs of the book. Partly because it is not the ending that I wanted but I didn’t really know how I want it to end. But also because the scenario of knowing what you want to do versus what you heart makes you feel. And that the ‘knowing’ part of the scenario is winning.

If you like Young Adult/ coming of age novels, I suggest you add this to your reading list. As I said, it is an adventure. A mystery of some sort.

Thanks for reading! Have you read Paper Towns yet? What did you think about it? Feel free to comment below or send a tweet!